By Callie Kruschke

The BCA completed a Triennial audit of our practices recently at both MCF-Oak Park Heights and MCF-Stillwater. We were found to be in complete compliance with MNJIS/NCIC standards. The review indicated that MCF-OPH and MCF-STW exemplifies what the BCA is striving for with all agencies in Minnesota.

I want to extend a BIG congratulations to all of our staff at both facilities for their hard work and great attention to detail. We have many staff from the Support Staff positions running background checks on contractors or volunteers to our After-Hours Warrants Unit at MCF-OPH. Please know that the work you do makes the DOC look good and you can't be thanked enough for that.

I am very grateful for everyone's hard work and dedication to the MN Dept. of Corrections.

By Dana Andresen

Amidst his busy schedule and the situations that have taken even more time in recent past, Jami Doeden took the time and made a huge difference with the mother of an IP. The IP had shipped something to his mother, FedEx left the package in a common area, and she never received the package. Jami spoke with the mom, and then called FedEx on her behalf to file a claim. He then called her back to let her know the next step - which was mom being on her way to receiving a $120 claim check from FedEx. Thank you for taking the time and making a difference!

By Jake McLellan

On September 7, 2023, Agent Katie Newhouse was conducting a home visit with a client and during the visit, the client was able to ingest fentanyl unbeknownst to the agent.

Agent Newhouse immediately noticed signs of intoxication through slow eye movement, stumbling and slurred speech. Agent Newhouse assisted the client to sit down at a nearby picnic table where the client became unresponsive. Agent Newhouse immediately called law enforcement/EMS and within a few minutes, law enforcement arrived. Agent Newhouse assisted law enforcement with laying the client down and administering two doses of Narcan to the client. The client was able to regain consciousness and received medical attention from local EMS.

If not for the immediate action of Agent Newhouse, we do not know what the outcome could have been. The opioid epidemic is real! DOC is proud of Agent Newhouse for her swift and decisive action.

By Jake McLellan and Trish Hansen

On September 30^th, 2023, Jen Bloomquist and family accepted the Distinguished Alumni Award for her husband Marc. Several staff joined the Bloomquist family in honor of Marc (Back row: Bob Christie, Nathan Bloomquist, Calvin Bloomquist, Katie Hayft- Front Row: Mark Smith, Jen Bloomquist, Jillian Bloomquist, Cassidy Linder, Trish Hansen). Please read the nomination below submitted by Trish Hansen as well as the article posted by the Bemidji Pioneer on 9/20/23.

(L-R) Back row: Bob Christie, Nathan Bloomquist, Calvin Bloomquist, Katie Hayft
Front Row: Mark Smith, Jen Bloomquist, Jillian Bloomquist, Cassidy Linder, Trish Hansen

Nomination:

Marc Gerald Bloomquist graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in May 1996. In August 2006, he obtained his master’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Public Safety Executive Leadership.

Marc began his career as a probation officer with Kandiyohi County Community Corrections in September 1996 before being hired as a probation officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) in March 1997. Marc had a number of promotions throughout his time with DOC. He was promoted to senior corrections agent and later to career corrections agent. His last promotion within the DOC was to District Supervisor in December 2008 where over the course of this position he managed offices in Mahnomen, MN, Park Rapids, MN, Thief River Falls, MN, Roseau, MN and served as an interim supervisor for a short time in Bemidji, MN.

Marc’s passion for his work led him to begin adjunct teaching at Bemidji State University in 2007, which continued into 2021. Marc enjoyed the students and especially those that were excited and eager to learn. He also had a way of drawing out the very best in his students. He taught his classes by bringing in real world experiences as well as speakers from the field to share information. He was diligent and worked hard to connect students with internship experiences and later employment opportunities as well.

In 2017, Marc and his wife, Jen, purchased Cedar Rapids Lodge located in Tenstrike, MN. In addition to his full-time job with DOC and his adjunct teaching, he became a resort owner with all the time and tasks that entails. This resort is a family run business and allowed Marc to spend time working and engaging with his kids as well as engaging in conversations with patrons. Marc’s outgoing, extroverted personality was a great fit for this line of work.

Throughout his career with DOC, Marc served on many committees and workgroups both in his local jurisdictions and statewide. The following committees were particularly noteworthy. Marc was a member of a small committee that developed statewide standards for DOC in the supervision and management of a specialized sex offender caseload. During his time as an Enhanced Sex Offender Supervision Agent, he never lost sight of the victims, held the offenders accountable for their behavior and offered opportunities for change in an effort to make our communities safer. He was also a fierce advocate for staff and worked hard to ensure access to trauma-based services for staff. Marc served on the DOC’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team for many years and reached out to staff members who experienced stress and/or trauma through the course of their day-to-day work. He delivered numerous trainings to staff on Fatigue to Fulfillment, in hopes of developing staff that were able to take care of themselves and were mindful of the toll probation work can take on our lives. Most recently, Marc served on the newly created statewide committee entitled, Servant Leadership. Marc believed it was his job to empower, encourage and support staff to be at their best.

In addition to the committee work, Marc’s heart and passion came from the development and implementation of innovative and creative ideas that were evidence based and rooted in research with regard to changing offender behavior. Marc became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) Trainer and led many trainings for staff in the use of MI. He was one of the first District Supervisors for DOC to implement virtual cognitive skills groups for offenders in an effort to reach those who lived in rural Minnesota, who didn’t have a vehicle, or had other barriers that prevented them from getting to a group in person.

Sadly, Marc died at his home unexpectedly on December 8, 2021, leaving behind his wife and three children. Marc’s sudden passing was felt across the northwest portion of the state impacting DOC staff, community partners, area stakeholders and numerous criminal justice agencies. Marc’s death has been incredibly difficult for so many of us and especially for Marc’s family and others who knew him well. Marc had a big presence and if you ever met him, you certainly did not forget him. Marc gave of his time and abilities unselfishly to his community. Marc was a huge presence at the table of many community justice meetings and continually pushed for public and victim safety, offender accountability, and opportunities for offender change. He will forever be remembered for his ability to engage others in community projects, his compassion and willingness to help others and for his positive, outgoing personality. Marc always put staff needs first and especially those staff who were struggling with difficult situations whether at home or at work. He truly wanted healthy, happy staff who treated each other well and worked together to support each other when necessary.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Marc was an active volunteer in the communities he served. He invested a significant amount of time to youth sports. He coached, ran the clock and was an announcer for many sporting activities for the Blackduck High School. He also coached youth football, basketball and baseball in Bemidji as well as served on the Bemidji Youth Baseball Board. He often volunteered to officiate youth sporting tournaments in an effort to save the tournament host the additional expense. Marc engaged in leadership with youth sports in the spirit of his hero, the late Coach John Wooden. Marc wasn’t about winning at all costs, but rather developing character and integrity in the players he coached. One of his favorite Coach Wooden quotes was, “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” He most recently served as President of the Blackduck School Booster Club, working hard to raise money for all school activities in the Blackduck School District.

Marc was a man of great faith and was a committed member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Bemidji. He faithfully ushered every Sunday morning, happily visiting with all who came to worship. He led youth group for several years with a cohort of teenage boys seeing them through until their graduation from high school. Marc also developed a program called Kingdom Builders, which he later implemented and established a committee to oversee this project. The Kingdom Builders Project collected donations from members of the church and community and then used these funds to assist and/or help community members who were in need, without having to go through all the red tape, applications, employment verifications, etc…. of many other programs in our community. Marc wanted to be able to help those in need as quickly as possible but never wanted to draw any attention to himself. Marc volunteered for Servants of Shelter which is a program offered by a group of area churches to offer space and meals in the winter for those who were homeless. He enjoyed visiting with those who sought shelter and would offer assistance in getting people connected with programs/services that would help them get back on their feet. He often volunteered for Meals on Wheels as well and loved greeting people with his booming voice and gregarious smile. He could talk with anyone for hours on end. Quietly improving the circumstances of someone needing a hand was likely one of Marc’s great joys. I specifically recall one Christmas when Marc walked through the Paul Bunyan Mall handing out cash anonymously in hopes of brightening someone else’s Christmas that year.

Marc and his wife, Jen, purchased Cedar Rapids Lodge from Jen’s parents in 2017. Marc and Jen joined the Community of Minnesota Resorts organization shortly thereafter. As with everything in his life, he jumped in with both feet. He served as a board member for the Community of Minnesota Resorts and attended monthly meetings. He was also heavily involved in planning and speaking at the annual Community of Minnesota Resorts Conference.

In summary, Marc Bloomquist was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. His family members graciously shared Marc with the community, his church, youth sports, and his demanding work as a probation officer and later district supervisor with the DOC. Marc consistently put the needs of others before his own. Marc was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO BSU

Marc graduated from Bemidji State University in 1996, following in the footsteps of both of his parents who also graduated from Bemidji State University. He began adjunct teaching in the Criminal Justice Department in 2007 where he remained for almost 15 years. Over the course of his adjunct teaching he mentored, encouraged and inspired many students. He worked diligently to help students obtain internships in their field of study as well as set up mock interviews so they would be ready for the competitive job market. He brought about interest in the field of Community Corrections where many of his students are now employed.

Bemidji State to honor Marc Bloomquist as distinguished alumni (bemidjipioneer.com)

By Sherlinda Wheeler

On September 14, volunteers from the Greater Twin Cities Residents Encounter Christ prison ministry (GTC REC) team handed out bottles of cold water and soda, as well as Caribou coffee and a goodie bag with muffins, beef stick and trail mix to the staff at OPH to say “Thank you" to staff.

The staff at OPH really appreciate this yearly event and we ordered the nicest weather we have ever had during these events to show our appreciation! Lol. Thank you for your continue support of OPH.

By Michele VanEmmerik

September 17 to 22, 2023, 23 MN DOC Honor Guard members representing 6 facilities attended the MN Law Enforcement Memorial Association's Honor Guard Camp at Camp Ripley. On the 18th the 80 total participants representing 24 agencies/facilities spent 3.5 hours either learning or honing their marching skill. Then ten teams were randomly formed by having the mass formation count off by eights to learn the 15-count manual of arms rifle drill. After less than 2 hours of learning and practice, team and individual competitions were held.

In the 15-count manual of arms Team competition, the 1st place team of included the following DOC members: CM Jeff Pogatchnik (SCL), Sgt Matt Hodgman (LL), Ofc Zina Siruk (OPH), Ofc Brandon Hanson (RW), Ofc Eric Matejcek (FRB). The 2nd place team included: Sgt Jason Ottman (FRB), Ofc Jessica Fedje (OPH), Ofc Sarah Sederberg (LL).

OFC Brandon Hanson (RW) took 2nd place out of the 80 competitors in the Individual 15-count manual of arms competition. The remainder of the day was spent at one of five training stations learning a specific aspect of a funeral detail: Colors Movement, Colors Posting/Retiring, Casket Movement, Casket Flag Fold, and Firing Party. The evening finished with all represented departments provided two personnel for the cornhole tournament.

Tuesday and Wednesday everyone rotated through the remaining four stations. They then attended a Caisson Team demonstration where MNDOC's own Corrections Investigation Assistant Director and LEMA Deputy Commander Mark Koderick was doing some training himself. The final class of the camp covered funeral planning, and was the only class where everyone got to sit down.

The final day consisted of everyone in full dress uniform for the Colors Formation and Parade from the barracks to the Chapel where graduation photos were taken prior to everyone taking a role in one of three simulated funerals. After the mock funerals were completed, unit and individual certificates were awarded before the final parade back to the barracks for the final formation and clean up.

Row 1: SGT Christine Henning (LL), OFC Zina Siruk (OPH), SGT Samantha Ness (RW), Ofc Nichole Kesgard (LL), SGT Nicole Hensley (LL), SGT Jason Koshiol (SCL), OFC Dale Gohman (SCL)

Row 2: OFC Brandon Hanson (RW), OFC Jessica Fedje (OPH), SGT Mikki Van Emmerik (OPH), OFC Rebecca Osland (FRB), SGT Jayson Singer (RW), SGT Nate Schreifels (SCL), OFC Claymore LeBeau (STW), SGT Matt Hodgman (LL)

Row 3: OFC Michael Diaz (STW), SGT Jason Ottman (FRB), OFC Eric Matejcek (FRB), CM Jeff Pogatchnik (SCL), OFC Zach Frank (SCL), OFC Sean Reed (FRB), SGT Shawn Harrington (OPH), OFC Jon Pyfferoen (OPH), Corrections Investigation Assistant Director Mark Koderick (LEMA Deputy Commander)

By Amber Swanson

We recently moved around some extra medical equipment that we had at STW to SCL and FRB. I spoke to CTU staff and arranged it the night before to get part of the items on the bus that was going to be at SCL early the next day. Then they picked up the remainder of the items that afternoon when they dropped off new intakes, before heading to FRB.

Thank you CTU staff for being so awesome to work with!!!

By Melissa Paquette

AWO Hughes started her corrections career in 1998 as an officer at MCF-FRB. She worked in many positions including Sergeant, WOOC Lt., Case Manager, Program Director and Associate Warden of Administration. In 2019, AWO Hughes transferred to MCF-SHK as a promotion to Associate Warden of Operations.

Prior to her return to FRB at the end of August, she was fortunate to work as the AWO at MCF-RW for approximately 6 months. Working in multiple facilities and varying capacities has been a great opportunity for AWO Hughes.

During her corrections career she has been a member of or participated in a variety of teams/committees to include: SORT, PPCT instructor, CISM, ICS instructor and a variety of continuous improvement initiatives/projects.

AWO Hughes is grateful to be back at FRB and is looking forward to working with everyone!

By Ismail Yener

I would like to thank Lino Lakes Officers, Maintenance Staff, and IT staff for their tremendous assistance during our K3 unit move. Your efforts showed once again the TEAM power!

Thank you for your hard work.

By Jay S. Olson

Sgt. Dakota Goad and Lt. Luke Eastvold (MCF-ML) were recently appointed as Master Instructors - Weapons. In this capacity they will help oversee a specialized area of training to include standardization of curriculum, qualifications, certifications, and measurement of training.

They were selected in a competitive application process which included both an oral interview and a skills & aptitude assessment.